Will I get arrested for giving a policeman the finger?

A: “You won’t make any friends, but you won’t get arrested,” King County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. John Urquhart said.

However, people will be arrested if their actions hinder or delays an officer or deputy from doing their job, he said. Obstructing an officer is a gross misdemeanor. Here’s the definition from the Revised Code of Washington.

(1) A person is guilty of obstructing a law enforcement officer if the person willfully hinders, delays, or obstructs any law enforcement officer in the discharge of his or her official powers or duties.

(2) “Law enforcement officer” means any general authority, limited authority, or specially commissioned Washington peace officer or federal peace officer as those terms are defined in RCW 10.93.020, and other public officers who are responsible for enforcement of fire, building, zoning, and life and safety codes.

(3) Obstructing a law enforcement officer is a gross misdemeanor.

Thanks to the people who submitted questions. Previous answers are linked below.